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July 31, 2024
Contact: Curt Wemple, 231-444-8029
DNR approves $2.6 million in grants for recreational boating improvements and development
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced more than $2 million in grant funding to 10 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.
The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s waterways grant program, which began in 1947 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 locally managed, state-sponsored harbors along the Great Lakes.
Each year, local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.
In 2024, projects in Alpena, Antrim, Bay, Delta, Genesee, Houghton, Huron, Leelanau, Mackinac and Missaukee counties were approved for projects that include marina renovation, dock replacement, dredging and canoe/kayak launch upgrades and restroom and shower facility improvements.
View the full list and descriptions of this year’s Waterways Program Grant awards.
“Water and boating are at the heart of Michigan – Michigan ranks second in the nation behind Florida for registered boats,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because we are the Great Lakes State.
"Michigan offers outdoor recreation opportunities and picturesque views not found anywhere else, and so it’s of utmost importance that the DNR helps invest in and fund Michigan’s harbors and boating access sites for everyone's benefit.”
Project selection
The Michigan State Waterways Commission, a seven-member advisory board whose members are appointed by the governor, works with the DNR on the use of dedicated funds, provided by boaters, for the acquisition, development and maintenance of public harbors and boating access sites and certain locks and dams.
The commission reviews recommendations for annual Waterways Program Grants. The grants are funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived primarily from boat registration fees and a portion of Michigan’s gas tax that supports the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.
Applications for the next round of waterways grant funding are due April 1, 2025.
Learn more about all DNR-administered grant programs at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
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Boating access: The Michigan State Waterways Commission works with the DNR on the use of dedicated funds, provided by boaters, for the acquisition, development and maintenance of public harbors and boating access sites and certain locks and dams.
- Lake Ovid: Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County features a boating access site on Lake Ovid.
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